Wensleydale Wander. 11-04-2026

Wensleydale Wander Wensleydale School, Leyburn 11,04,2026 Distances available 23 miles and 12 miles Before my Coast to coast trek a fortnight ago, I thought I would be recovered in plenty of time to do the Wensleydale Wander for Wensleydale Rotary. In the back of my head, I remain invincible. The reality was, my feet are still sore, and my asthma is still lingering. I decided that I could drop to the half distance if needed. I went to put on my lovely clean 361 trainers and found a hole in the upper of one, gutted. I went for my Brooks Cascadia. I chose drymax socks over waterproof, as, even though it was raining, the rain was due to stop between 9 and 10 am and stay off until 3 pm. As I set off, Billy knew I would do the long route, “I’ll see you this afternoon”. I planned to do it on my own so that I could run when I wanted and walk when I wanted. There were quite a few Bedale and Aiskew runners at the event, some running, some walking, some on the short route and some on the long.

We set off just after 9 am as the rain was stopping. the cold wind persisted. I was with Ann and Kate; we set off at brisk walk along the shawl at Leyburn with little jogs on the flatter sections. I was wary of uneven ground with my sore feet so walked. Ann was soon a little red dot in the distance, but Kate stayed with me. The descent into Preston under Scar was a steady jog down the fields and a brisk walk through the old lead processing ruins. The main challenge on this section was the skinny stiles with sturdy legs. Onwards to the Wensleydale Railway, sadly still out. Of use at present, but lots of work is going on to bring the trains back to Redmire. The volunteer ladies at Redmire checkpoint were suffering from cold hands but were still cheerful. On we went, avoiding giddy horses towards Bolton Hall, there we noticed cattle in the fields. I was not initially alarmed as there are often dairy cattle in the area but behind fences. As we turned to leave the ground of the hall, we realised that there was no fencing separating the animals from the humans. They were dairy cows and did not seem bothered by us as we walked swiftly through the field.

I loved seeing the fake sand martin wall that had been built alongside the River Ure, by the bridge. The point of no return. At this point the long and short routes split. I felt ok so, continued on the long route. Crossing the fields and climbing up to West Witton. Field 2 had 2 horses and 4 cattle in in it. The path led us between the horses and the cattle, fortunately none of them moved. The climb to the village felt so steep, it was lovely to get to the checkpoint in the village hall. A chat with the lovely volunteers and use of the facilities and we were back on our way. A long slog up towards Penhill. I was finding the hills tough, but this was the biggest of the day, the sun was shining and the views stunning, a great distraction.

Once at the highest point we ran along some lovely soft grass, a welcome relief on my sore feet and now my left ankle, still weak from Coast to Coast decided it did not want to play. I shortened my stride, tiny steps for long legs to control the over pronation. I regretted not bringing my poles or my ankle brace. I was about halfway, if I had gone on the short route, I’d have been finished now. Oh well, no going back now, and there was sausage rolls at the next checkpoint. Mainly walking now progress was slow and steady. I wanted to be back by 3 pm and the forecast rain.

The next section took us steeply down to the River Cover and then steeply back up before crossing fields of sheep to East Witton We stopped for a chat with the lovely volunteers in the village before heading back down the fields to the river again by The Coverbridge pub. The beer garden was bathed in sunshine, very tempting. However, we bypassed it to cross the River Ure, and cross more fields to Spennithorne, where again, we ignored the pub to take on the last few miles back to the Wensleydale School and the finish. We were making steady progress, and my feet were defiantly screaming at me to take off my trainers. The wind picked up and up the dale the sky had turned black, the rain was coming.

I said to Kate that we would not get back by 3 pm and she said no, its 5 to 3 now and with that we felt the first drops of rain. We stopped and put on our raincoats and headed to the final checkpoint where the volunteers were sheltering in their car, I went across and gave our numbers before taking on the final climb up the fields to Leyburn, as we climbed, the rain stopped and the sun suddenly shone. I said that we would be inside someone’s rainbow. Ahead of us a rainbow was forming. We soon entered Leyburn and walked trough the town back to the school and well-earned home-made soup, rolls and cake, washed down with a hot coffee.

6 hours 22 minutes and 21 seconds for 22.27 miles with over 2700 ft of elevation.

Thanks, Kate, for your company. Thanks to Wensleydale Rotary and all the wonderful volunteers out in all weathers. My feet were so relieved to put my squishy shoes on for the drive home. On inspection, as sore as my feet were, there was no further blisters and the ones I already had, continue to heal.